Farmers can now access their nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) statements for the January to August period of this year.
The statements for the eight-month period are available to view on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s online system.
These statements are particularly useful to allow farmers to plan for the remainder of the year, so they do not breach nitrates regulations and incur penalties, the department explained.
To be compliant, a farmer must not spread livestock manure and slurry containing more than 170kg of nitrogen per hectare in a year.
However, if a farmer obtains an approved derogation, this limit is increased to a maximum of 250kg of nitrogen per hectare from livestock manure – subject to adherence to stricter rules.
Earlier this year, the department revealed that almost 7,000 “intensively stocked farmers” availed of the derogation in 2016.
The deadline for submitting derogation applications closed in mid-April. These applications can only be submitted online.
Farmers across the country have approximately one month left to spread slurry before the operation becomes prohibited for the winter months. The closed period for spreading farm yard manure begins on November 1.
Meanwhile, farmers in the Republic of Ireland are also reminded that the spreading of chemical fertiliser is no longer permitted since yesterday.
As set out under the Nitrates Directive, the closed or prohibited period for fertiliser applications remains enforced until: January 12 in the southeast; January 15 in the midlands and west; and January 31 in northern counties.
Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in penalties under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
The aim is to protect ground and surface water, including drinking water. These regulations also prohibit such applications at any time of the year when the ground is frozen/waterlogged or heavy rain is forecast.